As India continues its journey toward becoming a global economic giant, it must address the growing issue of excessive work pressure in corporate jobs. Growth should not come at the cost of human life and well-being.
India is rapidly progressing towards becoming the third-largest economy in the world, trailing only behind the US and China. As the nation prepares for this monumental achievement, global interest in India continues to rise, with developed countries increasing their investments. India’s massive population, a challenge for the government, presents an opportunity for large corporations, especially in the context of affordable labor, a strong work ethic, and a growing consumer base. However, while this growth trajectory boosts profits and productivity, it also comes at a significant cost: the mental and physical health of India’s corporate employees buckling under excessive work pressure.
The recent death of Anna Sebastian Perayil, a 26-year-old chartered accountant at Ernst & Young (EY) India, shocked the nation. She had only been with the company for four months when she tragically passed away due to cardiac arrest. Her mother lamented that Anna could not say ‘no’ to the relentless work demands. Anna’s case is not isolated but reflects a growing trend in India’s corporate sector, where young professionals are pushed beyond their limits in pursuing productivity and career advancement. Similarly, just days after Anna’s death, another corporate worker, 45-year-old Sadaf Fatima, a senior executive at HDFC Bank, collapsed and died at her office in Lucknow. Her colleagues pointed out that Sadaf was under immense work pressure at her death.
Even in media, where creativity and mental clarity are essential, workers have succumbed to overwhelming work demands. I have experienced the devastating impact of excessive work pressure while serving as a major newspaper’s feature editor and business news editor. Long sitting hours pushed me to a medical emergency, where surgery was required on the back of my neck. This highlights how ignoring health due to work commitments can have irreversible consequences. In a similar case, another senior journalist in Delhi died due to heart complications. Despite knowing about his deteriorating condition, he continued working without taking time off for treatment, and eventually, the pressure cost him his life.
The fierce competition in India’s job market has worsened the issue of excessive work pressure. With unemployment still a pressing concern, employees feel obligated to prove their utility always. This often results in professionals accepting workloads far beyond their capacity, fearing that their job security or future growth prospects might be jeopardized if they do not. The fear of becoming redundant forces many workers to adopt unhealthy work habits, from working excessively long hours to skipping meals and even neglecting their health entirely.
While the Indian corporate sector thrives, it cannot ignore the fact that the well-being of its workforce is deteriorating. Companies need to understand that sustainable growth cannot be achieved by sacrificing the health of their employees. Excessive work pressure doesn’t just harm individuals; it also impacts organizational productivity in the long run. Burnt-out employees are less likely to contribute effectively, leading to higher attrition rates, absenteeism, and reduced efficiency. Institutions must recognize the importance of promoting a balanced work-life approach.
Pushing employees to work relentlessly for the sake of higher profits or meeting goals only sets the stage for long-term consequences, including mental and physical exhaustion, reduced motivation, and, in severe cases, premature death. Organizations must implement measures to ensure employee well-being, such as offering flexible working hours, promoting a culture where employees can take breaks without fear, and providing mental health support. Additionally, management should ensure realistic targets and workloads and encourage open communication, allowing employees to raise concerns about work pressure without being stigmatized or facing repercussions. A reevaluation of corporate culture is not just necessary; it is imperative. Only by striking the right balance between work and life can employees and organizations flourish in the long run.
The writer is a senior journalist and columnist.The views are personal.
Twitter @narvijayyadav
